Laminin-binding integrin

Laminin-binding integrins are a specialized subfamily of heterodimeric cell surface receptors, primarily comprising integrins alpha-3/beta-1, alpha-6/beta-1, alpha-6/beta-4, and alpha-7/beta-1. These receptors are essential for mediating cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions by specifically binding to various laminin isoforms within the basement membrane, such as laminin-332 and laminin-511 [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. Beyond providing physical anchorage, they function as signaling hubs that activate key intracellular pathways, including the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK cascades, which are vital for cell survival, proliferation, and migration [1.3.3, 1.4.4]. In clinical contexts, these integrins are significant due to their dual roles: their loss of function is linked to severe genetic conditions like junctional epidermolysis bullosa and congenital muscular dystrophy, while their overexpression is frequently associated with tumor progression and metastasis in various cancers [1.2.1, 1.3.4]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these integrins, such as the monoclonal antibody OS291, are being explored to disrupt pro-invasive signaling in oncology, although maintaining the integrity of normal epithelial and vascular tissues remains a significant safety challenge [1.4.2, 1.4.3].

Other names

Laminin-binding integrin subfamilyLaminin receptorIntegrin alpha-3 beta-1Integrin alpha-6 beta-1Integrin alpha-6 beta-4Integrin alpha-7 beta-1

Antagonism of integrin-laminin binding to disrupt cell-matrix adhesion and downstream signaling.